Why, hello my fellow readers. I have been thinking, contemplating, drinking a lot of tea and eating copious amounts of chocolate. After all these events I decided to write posts on interior styling. Why? Interior Design is always something I have been so passionate about, so it is about time to express it on my site. I hope you like them. (If you don’t, I am sorry in advance – haha!)

Firstly, putting together what could be called ‘my ultimate room.’  This mood board features elements I love, and what I would style back with them. Think brass accents, wicker chairs, mid-century wood, velvet and of course art. A good example of some of these in play is (very nicely!!) presented in the bar of Cotton House Hotel, Barcelona, Spain.

This little slice of heaven, has my name written all over it, mixes some of these elements back with curved archways, Parisian style tables and decorative tiles. The vintage white base makes this bar light and airy, but with the added warm colour, creates a sensual and moody scene we all like to drink 2 (or 5…) wines in.

Shop the moodboard, from top to bottom –

Mid century console  |  Brass wall sconce  |  Velvet sofa | Cupa tan leather chair  |  Pendant light (grouped)  |  Brass and marble coffee table  

Dina Broadhurst print  |  Wool shag rug  |  Safari chair  |  West Elm mirror  |  Pendant light (single)  |  Wooden coffee table  |  Table lamp

Image of Cotton House via luxuryaccomadationblog.com / Interior collage by Brooke Testoni

I am very excited to announce that I am now a contributor to Marie Claire magazine. My first article being, 1 midi skirt, 3 ways. Shot in my new skirt, in my new home, but the same ol’ me.

The Midi skirt. It’s a piece of clothing I am sure you all have in your wardrobe (and if you don’t, you should!)

It may be the one you wear to work or the one you wore to an engagement party three years ago and haven’t worn since. This is why, my friends, I am writing this post. A skirt like this, can actually be worn on any occasion. And yes, that includes walking down the road for that morning latte.

Yes, I like mustard, hence the reason why this skirt has been a weekly wear and I shot it for this piece. But, keep in mind you can wear any midi skirt you own these three ways. Black, navy, grey, khaki, floral, denim – whatever colour it is, it will work.

Read the full article here on Marie Claire.

Wearing –

Vintage rocker tee (similar here) | Camilla & Marc skirt (here) | Frame belt (here) | Common Project sneakers (here)
Anna Quan shirt (here) | Camilla & Marc skirt (here) | Movado watch (here) | Lauren Marinis heels (here)
Jac & Jack silk cami (similar here) | Camilla & Marc skirt (here) | Asos slides (similar here)

Photographed by Ana Suntay-Tanedo

Wearing –

Day 1: Tome striped shirt | Camilla & Marc white pants (here)
Day 2: By Johnny black top (here) | Camilla & Marc skirt (here)
Day 3: Hope tee (here) | Zimmermann silk pants | Common Project sneakers (here)
Day 4: Silk Laundry dress (similar here) | Camilla & Marc trench (here)

Scroll for price options:

It’s my favourite time of year, you know when there is an event/party on every weekend and too much food and wine is consumed. It is Australian Spring/Summer, sorry to the Northern hemisphere who are starting to rug up, but we are ready for party season down here. It has been a big year of work (and I am sure it has been for you too!), so it is time to let your hair down and celebrate what you have achieved. I have, once again, joined forces with Westfield for the campaign ‘The Front Line.‘ It’s time ladies, to talk party season dressing.

For a day event (or night event if you wish!) lets opt for an all-white outfit. White is fresh and summery, perfect for when the lunch time cocktails are flowing. For a more glamorous event, a wedding, engagement party or just for the hell of dressing up, let’s go a slip. In this case a bronze textured one from our very own Sass & Bide. Last but not least, lets get the legs out (I know you want to!). Ready for that much needed (probable late) night of dancing.

Shop my style / Featured:
Sass & Bide dress, stockist here | Tony Bianco heels | Colette clutch | Colette earrings
Witchery frill top | Witchery skirt | Colette earrings | Colette clutch
Cue top | Kookai skirt, stockiest here | Witchery bangles

Produced and styled by Brooke Testoni
Photographed by Dave Wheeler
Beautified by Ania Milczarczyk
Shot in collaboration with Westfield

Being able to have a shower, get ready for work, and put your ‘pyjamas’ back on? Who is all for it?! Say I. (I!)

Ok, I am not necessarily talking about actual pyjamas, unless they are pretty looking sets like Willa & Mae (very cool PJ label coming soon!). Then it is a-ok. Our favourite designers and high street favourites have jumped on the band wagon and all agree pyjamas are comfortable and uber-cool. Lets take the set I am wearing today for instance, I couldn’t be more comfortable if I tried, and that extra large lunch I had, well there is no need to be concerned wearing pants with a drawstring.

You can wear them as a set like so, pair the top back with jeans, or the pants back with a tee. Even though I don’t like to always follow trends (we should be able to wear whatever the hell we want to!), I do hope this one sticks, as I would like to be able to wear this down the street without the older ladies of Mosman thinking I am a little insane. Get onto it friends.

Wearing –

Zimmermann top (here) | Zimmermann pant (here) | Ford & Harris hoops (here)

Designer alert: I came across this new brand on Net-a-porter F.R.S (For Restless Sleepers). To the khaki and pink set, you can walk into my wardrobe anytime. For a more affordable set, check out these Topshop option here.

Photographed by Ana Suntay-Tanedo

Today, I played the suede, well faux suede. Why faux suede? Because it can be worn in far more seasons than the real thing. It is not as thick and warm as real suede, but it still has the texture, so it can be perfectly worn by itself on a Spring/Summer day or used as one of many layers for Winter. Talk about a staple baby.

Today’s outfit has a little safari vibe. It reminds me of my African holiday this year, which was a very memorable one might I add, where I spent hours on end in the game drive trucks, playing the mannequin challenge in hope that a lion wouldn’t jump on me.

Anyway, this week is an uber short week for me. I hear Hamilton Island calling my name this Wednesday. Until next time.

Wearing –

Karen Millen dress | Karen Millen top | Gucci heels | The Daily Edited clutch

Photographed by Ana Suntay-Tanedo
Shot in collaboration with Karen Millen

Lets just talk about the number of classic bags I have in my wardrobe. Note to self: get a little inventive and show a little personality through your bags.

Opting for a little Coach goodness today, that somewhat reminds me of the time I was dancing my way through the open plains of Coachella. Don’t ask me why, it just does. Coachella gives you a sense of freedom. Being in the middle of the desert with nothing around you but your favourite beats, and people high on life. Yep, this bag reminds me a little of this feeling.

Today, it was all black with a touch of burgundy.

Wearing –

Coach Rouge bag (available QVB store) | Bul top | Bul skirt | The Lair belt | Loewe sunglasses

Let’s talk ruffles. You never thought in a million years you would wear them again right? Ok, maybe you are a lady who is very feminine and wears them quite often, but I my friends, are not that lady. So, I thought I would show how I wear feminine pieces and make them my own.

To me, it is all about pairing ruffles or florals, or whatever feminine trend you want to rock, back with high street staples. Think denim, tee’s, leather pants, denim skirts. I do not like the word edgy, but for some reason it is the only word that is coming to mind at the moment. Think of the items in your wardrobe that will put a little ‘edge’ to that girly piece.

I joined forces with Westfield again to show you how to I wear the ruffle trend, which is everywhere at the moment might I add. I swear, go into any store and I am sure you will see it. So let’s not be scared of a little ruffle, embrace it, be a little different, I swear it will be fun.

Wearing –

Sass & Bide t-shirt | Zimmermann ruffle skirt from David Jones | Zimmermann silk tie from David Jones | Zimmermann flats

Backstage top | Ksubi denim | Nine West heels

Produced and styled by Brooke Testoni
Photographed by Dave Wheeler
Beautified by Ania Milczarczyk
Shot in collaboration with Westfield

When you stumble across a new brand which tickles your fancy. MISBHV, you have not only tickled my fancy, you have made my bank balance look awfully bleak.

Over and out.

Wearing –

MISBHV pleasure t-shirt via SubTYPE
MISBHV denim flares (denim via Subtype and black via Subtype)
Loewe sunglasses (black version here)

Photographed by Ana Suntay-Tanedo

Overloaded beaches, sweet and salty cocktails, peeling brown skin and an influx of ‘pluggers’ (aka Aussie words for flip flops). Yep, it is Summer here and I love it. Unless it’s those unbearable hot days when you can’t escape the heat and every family from NSW has decided to camp out on the beach and you cannot find an area of sand to put your towel – I don’t like Summer on those days.

But overall, Summer has to be the best/funest season in Australia. We really like to embrace it, and our designers know how to truly design those little dresses we want to wear everywhere with flats or sneakers (sorry, I am not a plugger girl). So everyone living in the Southern hemisphere, or to those in the Northern hemisphere who are escaping the chill of Winter (come to Aus!) it is time for a dress overload. These are a few of my favourite designers, who won’t break the bank.

Pfeiffer the label (two of my favourites own this ‘oh so rad’ label)
Reformation (An eco sensation – come on, by kind to the planet)
Rouje (the ultimate new range by Parisian Jeanne Damas)
Sir the label (two of my other favourites own this effortless label)

Wearing –

Sir the label forest green dress

Shop Summer dresses below:

How I do my makeup in 5 minutes with Charlotte Tilbury.

Shop the kit here

Filmed by Hatrik

Why, hello my fellow readers. I have been thinking, contemplating, drinking a lot of tea and eating copious amounts of chocolate. After all these events I decided to write posts on interior styling. Why? Interior Design is always something I have been so passionate about, so it is about time to express it on my site. I hope you like them. (If you don’t, I am sorry in advance – haha!)

Firstly, putting together what could be called ‘my ultimate room.’  This mood board features elements I love, and what I would style back with them. Think brass accents, wicker chairs, mid-century wood, velvet and of course art. A good example of some of these in play is (very nicely!!) presented in the bar of Cotton House Hotel, Barcelona, Spain.

This little slice of heaven, has my name written all over it, mixes some of these elements back with curved archways, Parisian style tables and decorative tiles. The vintage white base makes this bar light and airy, but with the added warm colour, creates a sensual and moody scene we all like to drink 2 (or 5…) wines in.

Shop the moodboard, from top to bottom –

Mid century console  |  Brass wall sconce  |  Velvet sofa | Cupa tan leather chair  |  Pendant light (grouped)  |  Brass and marble coffee table  

Dina Broadhurst print  |  Wool shag rug  |  Safari chair  |  West Elm mirror  |  Pendant light (single)  |  Wooden coffee table  |  Table lamp

Image of Cotton House via luxuryaccomadationblog.com / Interior collage by Brooke Testoni

It is 2017, and feels like it is 2005. The year I graduated, got overly drunk and wore a pink satin dress to my formal. Time goes way too fast….

Every. Single. Year: I go through my wardrobe and give away almost everything (yes, a HUGE spring clean) to charity, so I can start FRESHHHH for the new year. I believe that if you haven’t worn it in the last year, get rid of it. Unless it is a ski jacket or something but you get the gist.

Lets list the items I have been constantly wearing as of late and what I would classify as a staple:

• Jeans (I had to cull about 40 pairs. I shall call myself a denim hoarder)
• White shirt (you may need a few: Dressy, casual… you get the gist)
• T-shirts (der…..)
• A few Summer dresses
• A midi skirt
• A leather skirt
• A pair of vintage levis jeans, skirt and shorts
• A blazer, denim and leather jacket
• A few LBD’s
• A few silk blouses (I tell myself I can’t wear t-shirts everyday….)
• 2 cashmere jumpers
• 2 pairs of ‘I am important’ pants

What else am I forgetting?

Being women, we tend to hoard a ridiculous amount of fashion but in reality how much of it do you wear?

Come on friends, it is time to be brutal. I swear you will feel uber fresh once you are done!

I might even film myself going through my cupboard for a laugh. I haven’t even started on the shoe wardrobe.

Until then.

Wearing: Sir the label cotton blouse | Frame cropped flared denim | Ford & Harris hoop earrings

Shop a similar look –

…. so I may as well stay in the spirit and wear it.

When I saw this palm collection, I didn’t even know it was Bassike.

Bassike you for surprised us with a cheery print, which made us all warm and fuzzy inside. Just looking at this dress makes me want to fly to to Maui, drink Pina Coladas and party like The Rat Pack did in the 60s.

Bassike dress | Lack of Color hat

Photographed by Ana Suntay-Tanedo

Every workday is different so I thought I would film this video to show you what I’d usually get up to.

Let’s talk morning. I am a morning person, I literally jump out of bed, shower, put on La Mer Revitalizing Hydrating Serum, a little bit of bronzer, drink my weak coffee and tousle my hair. I’m out the door in 20 minutes. Exact. My serum is like the ‘holy grail’ of serums, it is the only product that works for me in all seasons (aka harsh coastal Australian Summer and the freezing blizzards of New York City Winter!), and also keeps my 28-year-old (wishing it was 21 years old) skin plump. Whether I’ve been up all night writing for the blog (air conditioning can wreak havoc!) or coming off back to back shoots outdoors, this product really helps to combat any dullness and give my skin back its spark.

My mornings in the office usually consist of emails and planning for upcoming shoots. In the afternoon, I usually spend it shooting content for the blog or Marie Claire magazine. I usually shoot around six different stories. Well, on a good day.

Evenings are for catching up with friends – often at Bistro Moncur because it is amazing and well, hey, it is around the corner.

My favourite time of day is when I get home. I throw on my linen pyjamas, wash my face and apply my serum for the evening. Nighttime is when your skin gets a chance to rest and repair so you want to nourish it with the best you can afford – inside & out. I also cannot (!) go to bed without having a green tea. It is a tradition my sister and I have and delivers incredible benefits for your body.

Take a look at what 1 minute in my day looks like. Enjoy.

Shot in collaboration with La Mer
Video by Masses Collective, Produced by Brooke Testoni
Images by Brooke Testoni & Hatrik 

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It has been a while since I have shared all things beauty on the world wide web, so I thought it was about time to share a little thing or five for Marie Claire magazine! Looking after myself, whether it is my skin, hair or my general wellbeing is something I take quite seriously. We are not getting any younger!

Here are my top five beauty products I use on on a daily basis. Now, it was quite hard to pick five. I do have a lot of products I am fond of, but lets not overwhelm you!

1. Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream – My hairdresser introduced me to the product and I have thanked him every since. My hair resembles my mothers. Super frizzy and super annoying. Yep – that is a good way to describe it. After I wash my hair, I apply this and it seems to dry naturally without the frizz. Thank the lord!
2. RMS – Living Luminizer – Highlighters are everywhere, every beauty brand has launched one. Which one to buy? Well let me help you friends, this smooth, dewy pot of goodness is not only natural (bonus!), it adds the perfect ‘dewiness’ to the parts you want to make POP.
3. Charlotte Tilbury – Light Wonder – I like to call Charlotte ‘Gods gift to beauty.’ She just seems to create products that make everyone look flawless. There has NEVER been a light makeup that I have been happy with, until Ms Tilbury came out with this one of course. I swear everytime I where this ‘tube of wonders’ everyone comments on my skin.
4. La Mer – The Soft Moisterising Lotion – There is actually no product from La Mer I don’t like. I unfortunately can’t afford them all, so I stick to my favourites and they are definitely worth it. I love to use the serum and soft lotion. The soft lotion gives my skin the right about of moisture (I have an oily T zone) and makes it feel silky smooth. My husband also seems to use this one too, when I am not looking…
5. Map of the Heart – Parfum Gold v.4 – I was introduced to this perfume a few months ago. I am not the ‘girly’ perfume type, so this unisex smell is right up my alley and has been getting a little overworked as of late.

Words by Brooke Testoni
Photographed by Brooke Testoni

The ones that will always inspire.

Scans via pdxmod of the House & Garden Books by Robert Harling

Top: Gucci
Pants: Ellery
Earrings: Vintage

It is about time I filled you in on a little home goss. 

A little recap: We bought a house, a 112 year old gem to be precise. The beautiful old girl needs a full renovation, so I have decided to take you through the whole process. 

Three words to describe her: Charming, eclectic and mysterious.

The formal living, which acts as my office, is the only room staying as is, well after a little paint and a re-stain of the floor boards. Because of this, I have already started the interior design. So first things first: My home office.

I work from my home for half of my week, so I need a home office station to stay motivated and to not get distracted by the piles of washing downstairs or the chocolate and wine in my kitchen. I like clutter; organised cluttered. I believe you can never have too many ornaments, art and books in your house – so go crazy! I love myself a mid-century anything, which is evident.

So, I hope you like my little nook I styled, where I edit photos, write stories, plan shoots and listen to (very) loud music. Any questions hola at me.

Featured:

West Elm Mid-Century Desk
West Elm Bentwood Office Chair
West Elm Souk Wool Rug
West Elm ceramic vase
West Elm mid-century task table lamp
West Elm ornament
An Organised Life calendar
Vintage crystal 
Claudia Carroll painting
MCM House leather stool
Vintage decanters
Vintage brass mirror
Adam Cullen illustration

Photographed and styled by Brooke Testoni

Ok, Ok. This is the question our friends have asked us time and time again. ‘What should I wear tonight?’ ‘I am going on a date’ ‘Do I show some skin, cover up, dress up, dress down?!’ (enter crazy faced emoji here)

When it comes to dating, and I am talking here as if I am a professional in the field, I am not, but I will tell you what I would wear if I were back on the dating scene.

Please dress your age and try to look effortless. Do you really want the guy to think you took 3 hours in the bathroom for this date? No. Wear an outfit that says ‘I just threw this on before I came.’ Toss that natural hair, pop on some tinted moisturiser, bronzer and mascara and voilà!

Here are a few outfit ideas for casual first dates I pulled from Westfield Warringah Mall (available now) –

1. Scotch & Soda striped shirt, Rollas denim, Betts heels & Ray Ban sunglasses
2. Morrison dress and Lovisa earrings
3. Vintage tee from Glassons, Scotch & Soda skirt and Nine West heels

Creative Direction/Styling: Brooke Testoni
Photographed by Ana Suntay-Tanedo